If your JK series Jeep Wrangler doesn’t inspire you anymore, get ready for this year’s Easter Jeep Safari. For the 52nd year, Jeepers have made a pilgrimage to Moab, Utah to tackle some of the toughest terrains on earth.
Our friends at Bruiser Conversions will be there with the world’s first LS-swapped Wrangler JL (that’s 2018 in non-Jeep-speak), and they won’t be alone. Just like years before, Jeep is teaming up with FCA’s Mopar performance division to bring seven new concepts to the event. In a press release earlier today, Jeep’s brand manager Mike Manley had this to say “Pushing the limit is something the Jeep brand is no stranger to and these seven new, exciting and capable concept vehicles are the latest example of that. Every year, we look forward to introducing new concept vehicles and ideas to our enthusiasts. The Moab Easter Jeep Safari presents a unique and perfect opportunity to collect valuable insight from our most loyal customers.”
Each of the seven has its own target audience, so let’s look at each one briefly:
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4SPEED
This carbon fiber wrangler introduces the new 2.0 liter turbocharged four cylinder. A raked windshield and large door openings offer an aggressive style. The body is 22 inches shorter and yet it rides on stock suspension. This offers incredible approach and departure angles, nothing is getting in its way. The short & light body has Dana 44 axles with 4.10 gears, and 35″ BFG Mud Terrain tires. It is so much lighter than a normal 2-door, the ride height is 2″ higher than normal.
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Sandstorm
If Baja is calling you, the Sandstorm is ready to head south of the border. We had an opportunity to drive over 80 miles on the Baja trail with our friends at Wide Open Baja, and it demands the very best in parts and power. Starting with tubular bumpers front and rear, the Sandstorm rides on a 2″ longer wheelbase. This was accomplished with a new 4-link rear suspension with 18″ of travel. Remote reservoir shocks at all corners allow the front to have 14″ of movement, which is perfect for airborne situations. Dynatrac 60 axles are packed with 5.68 gears and 39.5″ BFG Krawler tires. Under the vented carbon fiber hood is the 6.4 liter Hemi V8 and a six-speed manual transmission.
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B-Ute
Not all Jeeps are Wranglers, and this ‘Roided Renegade packs an entire catalog of upgrades. The B-Ute has a 1.5″ lift kit to fit 17″ wheels and fit BFG Baja Champion tires. Everything from the roof rack to the MOLLE packs on the front seat backs is available from your local Jeep parts department.
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Wagoneer Roadtrip
We’ve been hearing rumors about the return of the Wagoneer, so let hope this makes it to production. Starting with a pristine original example, the wheelbase is 5″ longer and the fender flares make it 4″ wider. The original C-channel frame was fully boxed and gusseted to make it better than the original. Riding on 17″ steel wheels and Dana 44 axles, the floor is coated in bed liner and the original seats are covered on Oxblood leather. Also included is a cooler made from vintage luggage and a toolbox that was once a valve cover from a Tornado straight six engine. Instead of that anemic OHC design, this Wagoneer has a 5.7 liter Hemi and 4-speed automatic transmission.
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Nacho Jeep
Say Cheese, because this tasty Nacho Yellow machine is equipped with almost everything from the Jeep Performance Parts division. The bulging hood has inlets for the cold-air intake, and the satin black trim adds nice contrasts on the grille and Rubicon bumpers. The integrated Warn winch will get you out of danger, and auxiliary LED lights will guide your path. They are found on the A-pillars and brush guard, and even along the upper edge of the windshield. This header bar is sealed to the glass to make sure the light points ahead, and not inside. It has a 2″ suspension lift, 37″ tires, and the 2.0-liter turbo four.
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Jeepster
This one was inspired by the 1966 Jeepster, and it features a concept hardtop along with a raked windshield. Under the white top is a roll cage that takes the place of the sport bar. The two-tone exterior is complemented by black Katzskin leather with red contrast stitching. Moving the spare tire inside to the bed allows for custom storage bins on the tailgate along with a rock step for easy entry.
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J-Wagon
What began as a new Wrangler Sahara, the J-Wagon is painted Warm Neutral Grey with the fancy Brass Monkey package inside and out. There is something traditional about the brass hues on the wheels and throughout the interior, its almost calming in a way. Ment to embody the premium Jeep buyer, it is equally at home in the city or on the trails. Willy’s logos are hidden like Easter eggs around this model, and it rides on 35″ KM3 BFG tires.
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Tell us which one you would pick in the comments below, and stay with us for all your Jeep news.
